BJ Penn is an American professional mixed martial artist and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. He is known as one of the most prominent fighters in the history of martial arts.BJ is the only American to win the Gold medal at the World Jiu-Jitsu championship. He joined UFC and made a lot of records while doing martial arts. Many people are fond of him as he has been a part of featherweight, lightweight, and middleweight divisions all this while. He has also won many other championships and titles. There have been very few players who have competed in K-1 but he did that successfully. Here is all you need to know about this legendary player.
Bio and Early Life
BJ Penn was born on 13th December 1978 in Hawaii, United States. He lived with his parents and three siblings and they all were very close to each other. He started training for Jiu-Jitsu when he was only 17 and had to move out of college to pursue his career. Later he also joined an academy to polish his martial arts skills. Many people of his age were surprised to see his talent especially when he won a purple belt from Gracie. He became the first-ever non-American to win the black belt division in Jiu-Jitsu.
Mixed martial arts career
BJ got the chance to enter into a contract by UFC and started his professional martial arts career. He defeated Joey Gilbert and won his first-ever MMA championship. After making several records as a martial artist he signed an exclusive contract with Japanese fighting and entertainment group known as FEG (K-1) promotion. He has won a lot of championships that include the Welterweight championship and defeated it five times against his opponents.
Marriage, personal Life and Kids
BJ is not married yet but he has been open about his relationship with Shealen Uaiwa. They have got two daughters together and are going strong. However, in recent years they are having problems in this relationship. Uaiwa has put charges of physical abuse against him while he was also arrested for assault in a bar. His personal and professional life has been into a lot of ups and downs but he tries to carry himself well.
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Did you know?
- BJ comes from a mixed background as his father is an Irish American and his mother is a Korean
- He has earned a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu
- The book of Knowledge is a famous book written by him that focuses on the skill of martial arts
- In 2015 he was included in the UFC hall of fame in 2015
- Fighters only magazine included him among the 100 greatest fighters in the history
Net Worth
The total net worth of BJ Pen happens to be $22 million. He has earned this entire amount from his professional mixed martial arts career and has become one of the finest players. The fight wins, contracts and bonuses have helped him get all the success and respect from others. His career will last for many other years and his fans will support him.